U.S. retail sales of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines in 2008 (excluding Wal-Mart) were $16.8 billion. (The Nielsen Company, 2009)

There are approximately 1,000 active ingredients used in the more than 100,000 OTC products available in the marketplace today. (CHPA, 2001)

Since 1976, 84 ingredients, dosages, or indications have made the "switch" from prescription to OTC status. Additionally, 15 medications were introduced during that time directly to the OTC market without having been prescription first. (CHPA, 2009)

More than 700 medicine products available over-the-counter today use ingredients and dosages that were available only by prescription less than 30 years ago. (CHPA, 2001)

Global OTC product sales totaled $72 billion worldwide in 2007. (IMS HEALTH, 2002)

77% of Americans take an OTC product to treat common, everyday ailments. (Roper Starch Worldwide, 2001)

Using OTC medications to treat common upper respiratory infections saves the U.S. healthcare system and economy $4.75 billion each year. (Northwestern University, 2004)

Consumer use of OTC heartburn medications saves the U.S. healthcare system $757 million annually, and saves the average consumer $174 annually. (CHPA and The Nielsen Company, 2009)

85% of American consumers think it is important to have access to OTCs to relieve minor medical problems. (American Pharmacists Association, 2000)

A majority of Americans (87%) believe that OTCs are safe when used as directed. (Roper Starch Worldwide, 2001)

82% of American women and 71% of American men have used a nonprescription medicine in the last six months to treat at least one common health ailment. (Roper Starch Worldwide, 2001)

Adults 65 years and older consume 33% of all OTC medicines sold in the United States. (American Pharmacists Association, 2000)

Of the more than $1.2 trillion spent on health care in 2000 in the United States, over $19 billion paid for nonprescription medicines - less than 2 cents of every health care dollar. (CHPA, 2001)

94 percent of consumers report satisfaction with available OTC heartburn remedies. (CHPA and The Nielsen Company, 2009)

65% of Americans wish that some of the prescription medicines they take would be made available over-the-counter. (National Consumers League, 2000)

Most individuals take the necessary precautions, such as reading directions before taking a nonprescription product for the first time (95%), reading labels to choose appropriate OTC medicines (89%), and reading about possible side effects and interactions (91%). (Roper Starch Worldwide, 2001)